Cat vs. Coyote

I find it quite enchanting that the American landscape is currently teeming with coyotes. Their chilling howls and raucous giggles, are a fantastic antidote to the relentless pursuit of paving and taming North America.
Although this fantastic four legged creature is not unique to Alaska, suburban coyote traplines probably are. I speak of the wayward officer portrayed in the infamous "AK state troopers". It appears he feels he has performed a great public service by placing (what I assume) are leg hold traps in residential neighborhoods---to trap these horrific pests. And what "crime" has the graceful coyote committed ?? Apparently it is his love of feasting on fat house cat. (not to mention the nice sum his pelt is worth)
Yes, yes it's true--my husband himself saw a coyote happily prancing across the road with a large house cat in its jowls. I know of neighbors who have lost a cat, and spoken to others who have also witnessed the joyous bounce of a coyote skipping off with a cat snack....(mmm, like a nice sugary doughnut! filled with junky cat food!)
Honestly folks, I am no cat hater. Even have a pet cat. But why in the world would a so-called cat lover complain that a coyote took their cat? It is incomprehensible to me. Did the coyote break down the door, enter the living room and steal poor kitty right from her scratching post?? I think not. Is this something like the old Road Runner show, where the coyote is ordering all sorts of contraptions from the Acme co. in order to cause cat chaos?? Please people--If you want your cat to be outdoors, then accept what outdoors means--disease, cars, dogs, mean kids and yes, coyotes. And if you don't like those risks--then keep you cat inside, trap those automobiles and leave my wild canine friend alone!

Reverse Santa

I may just offend someone here..... But folks I know (and see all around me in Southcentral Alaska) are drowning. Not in water, snow or cash, but in their own stuff.
Yes, yes you might want to remind me about the "economy"--but trouble is, that in America, people still somehow manage to get their hands on vast piles of good old fashioned stuff, goods, doo-dads, gadgets and widgets. It can't hurt that the local stores have clearance racks filled with brand new $3 or $4 clothing items--less than a cheeseburger for crying out loud!!
Take the donation bins in Alaska. They all say "clothes only", but people are so desperate to dump their "stuff", that there has been a huge problem with people leaving used coffee pots, toys, couches, and bags and bags of clothes in front of, on top of and for miles around these bins. It has actually become a criminal matter.
And not only in Alaska. I have tried to bring items to a Goodwill in Kingston, NY (not exactly Beverly Hills) and they totally freaked out that they have "too much stuff" already.
So what gives?? Or how about not gives?? Exactly my idea!
Let's do reverse Santa. Any house that wants items removed, could put up a little flag (like in the quaint old days for mail) and Santa Claus would come with his EXTRA big sled and just haul it all away. 
Probably will need some extra flying reindeer, but I'm sure that can be arranged. Then he brings all this American stuff up to the North Pole. Vast amounts of elves would sort through the lawn furniture, televisions, DVD's, and cheap jeans.  They could have polar recycling facilities powered by the Northern Lights. Maybe these items could become a new renewable fuel source? Of course some could be relocated. But I am afraid so many third world countries need food and shelter, that they really wouldn't have a use for exercise equipment and particle board coffee tables. But maybe Santa could figure it out, He is Santa after all.